Gun Control Hearing in Town Friday

This fall, the state Legislature is expected to take up the issue of gun-control laws. But before that happens, lawmakers are holding a series of public hearings around the state. Tomorrow, they’ll meet in Springfield.

The timing couldn’t be better, given the recent spate of shootings in the city. Mayor Domenic Sarno will be among the people testifying before the joint committee, and, according to a press release from his office, his remarks will cover a wide range of topics, including “combatting [sic] access to illegal gun access, increased bail and sentencing guidelines for gun crimes, the need to strengthen mental health treatment along with data base reporting and accessibility, editing violent video games, uniformed [sic] background checks and limits on high capacity assault weapons.” The mayor “will also speak against seventeen year-olds being charged with juvenile court sentences especially with drug and gun related incidents.”

Police Commissioner William Fitchet and mayoral aide Darryl Moss, who works on violence prevention, will also testify.

While much of Sarno’s expected remarks will focus on tighter gun control, the mayor hasn’t forgotten who one of his city’s larger employers is: “Sarno will also speak to the need of balancing reform with the need to promote job creation and a strong economic development climate for Smith and Wesson,” his office announced.

The legislative Joint Committee on Public Safety hearing will take place Friday, Aug. 2, at 10 a.m. at American International College’s Griswold Theater.